England star needs surgery on sickening injury that leaves World Cup hopes in tatters

Feb 23, 2026 - 10:00
England star needs surgery on sickening injury that leaves World Cup hopes in tatters

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has reportedly suffered a broken jaw following a sickening collision during AC Milan’s 1-0 defeat to Parma on Sunday.

The 30-year-old left the San Siro pitch on a stretcher and was immediately taken to hospital in scary scenes.

Edoardo Corvi collides with Ruben Loftus-Cheek at the San Siro
Loftus-Cheek was involved in a horrific collision with the midfielder to now face months on the sidelines
Getty
Ruben Loftus-Cheek lays injured on the San Siro pitch
The AC Milan midfielder instantly hit the deck after suffering a sickening head injury
Getty

Just ten minutes were on the clock when the ex-Chelsea midfielder was accidentally whacked in the head by Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi.

Loftus-Cheek was looking to get on the end of a cross, only to be clattered in the face by the onrushing shot-stopper.

The player immediately hit the deck, with cameras showing him with a bloody face as medics immediately rushed to his aid.

He eventually departed on a stretcher, where he could be seen wearing both a neck and head brace.

And according to Sky Sports Italia, Loftus-Cheek faces months on the sidelines as they revealed the full extent of his injuries.

Horror injury

They reported: “In addition to broken upper teeth and two cuts, the Englishman suffered a fractured alveolar bone.

“This is a very serious injury; he will undergo surgery on Monday and is expected to be out for several months.”

Meanwhile, former Arsenal coach – now Parma boss Carlos Cuesta – was quick to offer his thoughts to Loftus-Cheek in the aftermath of his side’s away victory.

He told Parma’s website: “First of all, I want to wish Loftus-Cheek all the best after what happened today.”

Loftus-Cheek’s injury will not only keep him out of Milan’s Serie A title tilt, but also throws his potential World Cup spot into jeopardy.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek following his head injury
Loftus-Cheek could be seen with blood around his face in scary scenes
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It was only in November which saw the 2017 Premier League winner recalled back to the Three Lions squad.

Prior to his call-up by ex-Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, he hadn’t been part of the England set-up since 2018.

His first international appearance after seven years came against Wales where he came on as a second half substitute for Declan Rice in a 3-0 friendly win.

But he will now miss England’s friendly ties with Uruguay and Japan on March 27 and March 31 respectively.

Those fixtures represent the last two games before Tuchel names his squad for the World Cup this summer.

Commenting on his quest to force his way into featuring in North America, Loftus-Cheek said: “It’s good to have a goal.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek leaves the San Siro pitch on a stretcher
The England international left the pitch on a stretcher following the tenth minute incident
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“Whether you focus on that right now, I’m not sure. You have to focus on what you’re doing at your club, it is still a long way.

“And I think for me, first and foremost, is to stay fit, stay healthy, and keep playing well for my club.

“If I do that, I think I’ve got a good chance, and who knows what can happen.

“You always want a dream. It’s in my head, but it’s not the front right now.”

Loftus-Cheek has featured in 27 games in all competitions for Milan this term – chipping in with three goals and one assist.

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